FYN sends our condolences to the family of Bill Kokaly
Community, Featured, Featured Stories June 12, 2020
FYN’s saddened to report the passing of dear friend and longtime Field Representative for Congressman Doug Collins, Bill Kokaly. He moved on to a better world on Friday morning of June 12 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Kokaly loyally served Collins since the congressman’s first campaign and was instrumental in managing the military academy nominations for Ninth District high school students.
He retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service in 1996, and passionately represented Collins’ military constituents whenever they needed assistance. Additionally, he discussed public policy and issues of interest at Ninth District events in order to better understand the citizens.
An outpouring of condolences for Kokaly’s family is taking place across Georgia and the Ninth District. Collins released a statement mourning Kokaly’s passing on June 12:
“Like most people, I have been blessed with childhood friends who have walked with me and my family through every phase of life, constant in a sea of ever-changing tides. However, I believe that God brings other folks into your life at the right time to help you through a season in your life that only that person can fill. This morning one of those people finished his calling.
“It is with a very heart that I have to announce that Bill Kokaly died this morning. Bill has been with me from the beginning of my first campaign for Congress and has been a part of my staff – and more importantly, a part of my family – ever since. His amazing dedication to the work of the 9th District and to his family will never be replaced. He was a man of passion and strength, which is growing rare in these times.
Bill and I both shared a love of, as Bill would put it, our Air Force. The old MSgt never left his service behind. There is one group this morning that will miss Mr. Bill as much as I do, and that is all of the students that he helped get accepted to the service academies. He loved each and every one of those kids and followed their careers just like a proud parent.
To his wife, Gail, and the rest of Bill’s family, we share your pain and hold you close in our prayers. On a personal note, I will miss you, my friend. You taught me so much and I will miss our time together. Your season in my life ended too soon but I am the blessed one to have even had this season with you at all. God bless you, my friend. We will miss you.”
People throughout Georgia continue to leave condolences on social media.
Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston also released a statement of mourning and commemoration of Kokaly:
“I was so sorry to learn of the passing of my friend, Bill Kokaly, this morning. Bill served our Congressman Doug Collins and represented him at countless events and community gatherings in North Georgia.
“A tireless worker and selfless servant, Bill never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He worked everyday to build up our community and see a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.
“I will miss his friendship and his infectious generous spirit. My prayers go out to his bride, Gail, and his family in this difficult time. May he rest in well-deserved peace.”
We at FYN send our prayers, thoughts, and condolences to Kokaly’s wife Gail, and his family. He was a great man who genuinely wanted the best for everyone in the Ninth District, the state of Georgia, and the United States. Kokaly’s lifelong career of service to his country will be remembered and valued by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
To read people’s memories of Bill Kokaly, please view Congressman Collins’ Facebook page.
Images were taken from Kokaly’s and Collins’ Facebook.
BKP Has A Call-In With Doug Collins!
Politics April 30, 2020BKP has Congressman Doug Collins on the show this morning to discuss Georgia and the 9th district. They discuss endorsements such as club for growth. They touch on the President and how Collins feels about Trump’s response to the pandemic. They also discuss General Flynn, State bailouts, and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uutm25aBpCs
Collins urges Windstream to provide increased access to rural broadband
Press Release, State & National April 10, 2020GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Austin Scott (R-Ga.), and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) today sent a letter to Windstream underscoring the importance of providing increased access to broadband – particularly in rural areas – in the midst of COVID-19.
“As representatives of thousands of Windstream customers, we write today regarding the impact coronavirus has had on broadband access in rural communities throughout Georgia,” they wrote. “In the past, we have written to you regarding the inadequate internet service our constituents are receiving despite your company’s acceptance of federal dollars to expand access. While we know Windstream has upgraded some areas that are more populated and less rural, many of our constituents continue to struggle with poor broadband speeds.”
For years, Windstream customers across Georgia have consistently struggled to gain access to reliable broadband speeds. Congress has taken significant steps toward expanding rural broadband infrastructure in recent years, including securing federal funding to providers in rural areas. However, some carriers – like Windstream – have failed to provide adequate broadband speeds to consumers despite collecting taxpayer dollars. As this pandemic is forcing more and more Georgians to rely on the internet, access to reliable broadband is more critical than ever before.
“Due to the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of Georgians are being forced to work, learn, and recreate from home. This undoubtedly has increased the strain on the networks your consumers depend upon. Over the past several years, we have heard complaints of a network that is overburdened and cannot keep up during peak use. Even though we have been calling for increased internet access in rural areas for years, this moment in time shows that Windstream has yet to meet the mark.”
Read the full letter here.
Live Call-In with Congressman Doug Collins
State & National April 9, 2020Due to the upcoming election BKP states that we need to meet the candidates. This morning, we start with Congressman Doug Collins. We discuss beginning to campaign again, the senate race, social distancing, ballot harvesting, and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOlhVOYFRoE&feature=youtu.be
Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw honored with distinguished Republican award
News, Politics April 14, 2019
DILLARD, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw was awarded “Distinguished Local Elected Official” by the Ninth District Republican Party at a dinner ceremony at the Dillard House in Rabun County April 12. Towns County citizens submitted letters of nomination, leading to Bradshaw being selected for the recognition.
“Since Cliff was sworn in as commissioner, he has been going to available classes to help him become a better leader…,” one such letter read. “Cliff is a very high energetic young man who always states he wants our county to be successful. It’s our county not his. He is very receptive to all Towns County residents. He is transparent and accountable, especially at the third Tuesday monthly county commissioner‘s meeting. I consider it an honor to be able to nominate Cliff Bradshaw for consideration of the GOP Award for DISTINGUISHED COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIAL in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in addressing the issues of Towns County.”
(L-R) Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Congressman Doug Collins, Macedonia Chair Daren “Bear” Osborn
Commissioner Bradshaw told FYN that he was deeply honored to be nominated and recognized.
The Republican Party hosted the Ninth District convention the following day, April 13, in Dillard. Towns County Delegates representing Hiawassee are Chair Donna Barrow, Secretary Betty Phillips, GOP Chair Betsy Young, GOP First Vice Chair John Alger, Cecil Dye, and Trina Coleman. Young Harris delegates are Chair Charles “Chuck” Luca, Secretary Betty Luca, Scott Ledford, and Harvey Cohen. Delegates representing Macedonia are Chair Daren “Bear” Osborn, Secretary Todd Tibbets, Jeff Pierot, and Melissa Griggs. US Congressman Doug Collins attended the convention, addressing the delegates.
The Georgia Republican Party will hold its state convention May 16-18, 2019, at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. The event is open to the public, although only delegates may participate in the business matters of the convention.
Feature Photo: Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young with Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
FYN Interviews Rebbeca Yardley on Georgia’s 2018 Sine Die – Last Day of Legislative Session
Politics, State & National March 29, 2018
It’s Sine Die day, that means it’s the last day of the 2018 Legislative Session! Interviews First Vice Chairman of Georgia Congress 9th District GOP Rebecca Yardley on the experience and what to expect from the Georgia Capitol today!
WATCH LIVE Congressman Doug Collins serving the 9th District of Georgia Town Hall Meeting
Featured, Politics August 9, 2017
Watch LIVE on FYNTV.com Click link below:
Click here to watch town hall meeting LIVE
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| Washington, D.C. Office: 1504 Longworth H.O.B. Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-9893 |
District Office: 210 Washington St. NW, Suite 202 Gainesville, GA 30501 Phone: (770) 297-3388 |
Congressman Collins Talks Health Care, Tax Reform and Still Supporting President Trump
Politics May 19, 2017
Georgia’s 9th District Congressman Doug Collins talks with BKP today about the health care bill. Collins also states that he believes and hopes they will be able to start working on the tax reform this year. BKP also asks the Congressman if he is still a supporter of President Donald Trump. Lastly Collins discusses issues that he and his team are working on that are more specifically focused in the 9th District: Dodd Frank Act, the VA – veteran’s health care, police week, and human trafficing week.
Congressman Doug Collins Updates us on Recent Good Works in The House of Representatives
Politics, State & National August 4, 2017
The main stream media is focused on all the things that have not been accomplished or are not getting done by the government. But what they are not telling you and we feel they should be, are all the good things in process in The House of Representatives. Congressman Doug Collins came on the show this morning to tell us about what they have been working on recently. Some topics he tells us about are: VA Bills, Preliminary Healthcare Bill, Dodd Frank Repeal, 260+ bills that have been passed by The House and are waiting on The Senate, James Comey, and more.
BKP Interviews Congressman Collins regarding Government Shutdown and More
Politics, State & National January 22, 2018
Tune in as BKP interviews our very own 9th District Congressman Doug Collins on the current government issues and day 3 of the government shut down. Hear how Collins feels about the situation and what needs to happen to resolve the issues at hand.
Congressman Collins Votes to Repeal Obamacare, Sending Health Bill to Senate
Featured, Politics May 4, 2017
WASHINGTON—The House today passed H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act(AHCA). The bill repeals the individual and employer mandates of 2010’s Affordable Care Act as well as $1 trillion in Obamacare taxes.
Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement in response to the bill’s passage:
“For seven years, I have watched Obamacare afflict my neighbors with soaring insurance costs and narrowing health care options. Obamacare shattered the insurance market, and Americans now struggle first to afford insurance and then to find providers that accept it.
“Obamacare saddled businesses and individuals with mandates that robbed them of their freedom to choose health care options that make sense for them. Our families, our workers and our economy have born the weight of bureaucratized medicine for too long. The American Health Care Act removes that burden and demands compassion for both the healthy and vulnerable, the born and the unborn.
“I have seen the grief that Obamacare has brought to northeast Georgians and have worked for my entire tenure in Congress to repeal this destructive law. Republicans promised to repeal Obamacare, and the House voted to keep that promise today. I agree with the President’s call this week for us to repeal Obamacare now, and I look forward to the Senate’s getting to work on this crucial bill.”
Additionally, this legislation returns to states the flexibility they need to serve their communities. The AHCA provides more generous Medicaid reimbursements for elderly and disabled enrollees while Obamacare prioritized able-bodied individuals over disabled Americans by assigning proportionately more Medicaid dollars to the healthy. It establishes a federal invisible risk sharing program to stabilize insurance markets, lower premiums and protect individuals with pre-existing conditions.
The AHCA represents the first major entitlement reform in U.S. history by ending Medicaid’s expansion while shoring up the program for the disabled and elderly Americans it was meant to serve.
This legislation also defunds Planned Parenthood.
GA 9th District Congressman Collins (R) Interview on the new Tax Bill and its passing
Politics, State & National December 19, 2017
Georgia’s 9th District Congressman Doug Collins joined us for a brief phone interview this morning. He started out the interview by saying today is going to be a good day and a good day for the American people. The new Tax Bill should be on the President’s desk by the end of the week, Collins said. This new bill will do away with the Obamacare/health insurance mandate. The American people will no longer be “forced” to purchase health insurance. BKP went on to ask Collins about topics such as the government funding, a possible spending resolution, Russian dossier on going investigation, and a possible 2nd council. Collins finished the interview with a comment about President Trump’s National Security speech. “We have a world that is unstable but a leader who wants to keep America safe and keep our leadership in the world.” As always we would like to thank Congressman Collins for taking time to speak with us.
Ga 9th District Congressman Collins on Tax Reform passed in the House
Politics November 21, 2017
Congressman Collins had the privilege to gavel in the passing of the Tax Reform Bill. The bill passed in the House on Nov. 16 with 227 votes. Of the 227 votes, there were absolutely no Democrat supporters on this bill. Collins says the passing of this bill strictly by Republican votes shows that Republicans can come together to get the 218, or over 218, requirement. This tax plan is designed to give people a tax break; to put money back into their pockets, but doing so in a way that will stimulate the economy for small businesses.
Rep. Collins: “Speaker Will Keep Us Through Christmas” for Tax Bill
GMFTO, News, Politics October 16, 2017
9th Congressional district Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) spoke exclusively to FYNTV on Friday’s edition of Good Morning From the Office. Collins spoke on a multitude of issues, from the executive actions regarding Obamacare, to his personal crusade for adequate internet service and competition in rural Northeast Georgia. However, his remarks regarding tax reform were quite revealing. According to Collins, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) has informed House members that he will keep the House in session, if necessary, throughout the Christmas recess in order to pass tax reform.
The tax question is asked around the 11:00 minute mark of the FULL INTERVIEW below.
BKP: From the House side, will we get tax reform?
Rep. Collins: Yes. I feel very comfortable, in fact, it is the top priority for us in leadership, and the speaker. In fact, the speaker put us on notice yesterday (Thursday) that he would keep us through Christmas or any other holiday to make sure it gets done this year. It was very disturbing to hear some members of the Senate saying “Well, we gotta negotiate, it may be the first of the year” No. It’s time to get behind the American people, time to get behind the President and pass tax reform. It’s way past due.
Collins Petitions USDA for Improved Poultry Line Speeds
Politics May 23, 2017
Collins Petitions USDA for Improved Poultry Line Speeds
WASHINGTON—Today Congressman Doug Collins (R-Gainesville) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to consider implementing policies that would make U.S. poultry processing facilities more competitive in the global marketplace.
Currently, poultry producers in South America, Asia, Canada, and Europe are safely operating at line speeds that outpace the maximum speeds allowed in American facilities, which represents a significant disadvantage to northeast Georgia’s poultry industry and America’s domestic production. Agriculture remains a vital dimension of Georgia’s economy, while poultry production generates more than $18 billion for the state economy and $10.9 billion for the Ninth District economy annually.
Collins Welcomes Neighbors to Town Hall
Politics August 7, 2017
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Washington, D.C. Office: |
District Office: 210 Washington St. NW, Suite 202 Gainesville, GA 30501 Phone: (770) 297-3388 |